Versatile rectangle container lid

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment of the invention, a versatile rectangle lid includes: a lid body comprising a rectangle configuration; and a plurality of rectangle rings formed in the lid body; wherein the plurality of rectangle rings includes a first rectangle ring that is configured to receive a first rectangle container having a first size and a second rectangle ring that is configured to receive a second rectangle container having a second size. In another embodiment of the invention, a versatile rectangle lid includes: a rectangle lid body comprising a center portion, a bendable lid portion, and an edge portion; wherein the bendable lid portion is between the center portion and the edge portion; and wherein the bendable lid portion is configured to bend in an upward direction and bend in a downward direction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/239,950. This U.S. Provisional Application No.62/239,950 is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/838,529.

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/465,805.

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/439,823.

Application Ser. No. 13/439,823 is a continuation-in-part application ofDesign application Ser. No. 29/405,305, filed Nov. 1, 2011.

Application Ser. No. 13/439,823 is a continuation-in-part application ofDesign application Ser. No. 29/405,306, filed Nov. 1, 2011.

Application Ser. No. 13/439,823 is a continuation-in-part application ofDesign application Ser. No. 29/392,677, filed May 25, 2011.

Application Ser. No. 13/439,823 is a continuation-in-part application ofDesign application Ser. No. 29/392,680, filed May 25, 2011.

This application claims the benefits of and priorities to applicationSer. Nos. 14/838,529, 14/465,805, 13/439,823, 29/405,305, 29/405,306,29/392,677, and 29/392,680.

Application Ser. Nos. 14/838,529, 14/465,805, 13/439,823, 29/405,305,29/405,306, 29/392,677, and 29/392,680 are hereby fully incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to a versatile containerlid.

BACKGROUND

A variety of food containers and corresponding lids are available toconsumers in various sizes, shapes (e.g., bowls, box-shaped containers,and/or the like), and/or configurations. Consumers often unnecessarilyspend their valuable time looking for a particular lid that fits into abowl or other container and/or often sift or search through a pile ofmismatched lids. In other words, the consumer is often required torummage through countless lids (or a relatively high number of lids inthe kitchen) in order to find a lid that fits a particular foodcontainer.

Additionally, maintaining a large number of lids does not allow theconsumer to save space in the kitchen, kitchen cabinets, and/orcupboards. Furthermore, the currently available tin foil products andplastic wrap products may not provide a sufficient air-tight cover forfood containers, are disposable products that may harm the environment,and/or would add to the consumer's expense since new foil productsand/or plastic wrap products are disposable products that are requiredto be re-purchased by the consumer. Therefore, some consumers arefrustrated with the requirement and inconvenience of having to keepdifferent sized lids that are associated with different sized foodcontainers and/or with the unnecessary expense of purchasing disposablefood covers.

Various food container lids are disclosed in, for example, the followingpatent-related publications: U.S. Pat. No. 7,264,135, U.S. Pat. No.8,007,615, US 2009/0183807, US 2010/0207297, and U.S. D555,982. However,these conventional products: (1) do not provide a sufficiently rigidcover, (2) are not able to provide a cover for different sized foodcontainers, (3) require multiple parts that are subject to wear-and-teardue to the frequent use of the food containers, and/or (4) requireparticular shapes and/or configurations that lead to additionalmanufacturing expenses and complexities. Silicone sealing lids which arereusable and safe for use in a refrigerator, freezer, and/or dishwasherare also commercially available. However, any particular siliconesealing lids is only usable for a corresponding container size.Therefore, the conventional products have various disadvantages that arenot desirable for the consumer.

Based on the above discussion, the current technology is limited in itscapabilities and suffers from at least the above constraints anddeficiencies.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the invention, a versatile container lid includes:a lid body; and a plurality of rings formed in the lid body; wherein theplurality of rings includes a first ring that is configured to receive afirst container having a first size and a second ring that is configuredto receive a second container having a second size.

In another embodiment of the invention, a versatile container lidincludes: a lid body comprising a center portion, a bendable lidportion, and an edge portion; wherein the bendable lid portion isbetween the center portion and the edge portion; and wherein thebendable lid portion is configured to bend in an upward direction andbend in a downward direction.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing aversatile lid includes: forming a lid body from a material, forming aplurality of rings within the lid body, and forming a top surface of thelid body, wherein the top surface has a given configuration.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one (several) embodiment(s) ofthe invention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the invention aredescribed with reference to the following figures, wherein likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsunless otherwise specified. Additionally, the left-most digit of areference number may identify the drawing in which the reference numberfirst appears.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilecontainer lid, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a top view of a versatile container lid, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a bottom view of a versatile container lidof FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a top view of a versatile container lid, inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a bottom view of a versatile container lidof FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilecontainer lid removably coupled to a first container of a first size, inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilecontainer lid removably coupled to a second container of a second size,in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a foldableversatile container lid, in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lid,in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lidin FIG. 9A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9C is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lidin FIG. 9A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10A is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lid,in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10B is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lidin FIG. 10A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10C is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lidin FIG. 10A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10D is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lidin FIG. 10A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10E is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lidin FIG. 10A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a versatilecontainer lid, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a front perspective view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a front perspective view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container is detached or separated from the lid.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a top plan view of a versatile rectanglecontainer lid, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a bottom plan view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a side elevational view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container of a given size is attached to the lidand wherein the longer side of the lid is shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a side elavational view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container of a given size is attached to the lidand wherein the shorter side of the lid is shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a side elevational view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container of a given size is de-attached orseparated from the lid and wherein the longer side of the lid is shownin FIG. 18.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a side elevational view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container of a given size is detached or separatedfrom the lid and wherein the shorter side of the lid is shown in FIG.19.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a top plan view of a versatile rectanglecontainer lid, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container of a first size is attached to the lidand wherein the longer side of the lid is shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container of a first size is de-attached orseparated from the lid and wherein the longer side of the lid is shownin FIG. 22.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container of a first size is attached to the lidand wherein the shorter side of the lid is shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container of a first size is de-attached orseparated from the lid and wherein the shorter side of the lid is shownin FIG. 24.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container of a second size is attached to the lidand wherein the longer side of the lid is shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container of a second size is de-attached orseparated from the lid and wherein the longer side of the lid is shownin FIG. 26.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container of a second size is attached to the lidand wherein the shorter side of the lid is shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container of a second size is de-attached orseparated from the lid and wherein the shorter side of the lid is shownin FIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, suchas examples of components, materials, parts, structures, and/or methods,to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. Oneskilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodimentof the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specificdetails, or with other apparatus, systems, methods, components,materials, parts, structures, and/or the like. In other instances,well-known components, materials, parts, structures, methods, oroperations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuringaspects of embodiments of the invention. Additionally, the figures arerepresentative in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustratethe precise shape or precise size of any element and are not intended tolimit the scope of the invention.

Those skilled in the art will understand that when an element or part inthe drawings is referred to as being “on” (or “connected” to or“coupled” to or “attached” to) another element, it can be directly on(or directly attached to) the other element or intervening elements mayalso be present. Furthermore, relative terms such as “inner”, “outer”,“upper”, “above”, “lower”, “beneath”, “below”, “downward”, and “upward”and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of oneelement relative to another element. It is understood that these termsare intended to encompass different orientations of the device inaddition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

Although the terms first, second, and the like may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, parts, regions, layers, chambers,and/or sections, these elements, components, parts, regions, layers,chambers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Theseterms are only used to distinguish one element, component, part, region,layer, chamber, or section from another element, component, part,region, layer, chamber, or section. Thus, a first element, component,part, region, layer, chamber, or section discussed below could be termeda second element, component, part, region, layer, chamber, or sectionwithout departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference tocross-sectional view illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofrepresentative embodiments of the invention. As such, variations fromthe shapes of the illustrations as a result of, for example,manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Embodiments ofthe invention should not be construed as limited to the particularshapes of the regions, elements, components, parts, layers, chambers,and/or sections illustrated herein but are to include deviations inshapes that result, for example, from manufacturing or particularimplementations. For example, an element illustrated or described assquare or rectangular may typically have rounded or curved features dueto normal manufacturing tolerances or due to a particularimplementation. Thus, the elements illustrated in the figures areschematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate theprecise shape of an element of a device and are not intended to limitthe scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of versatilecontainer lid 100 (apparatus 100), in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention. The lid 100 includes a base portion 105 and an upperportion 110 coupled to (or integrated with) the base portion 105. Inother embodiments of the invention, the base portion 105 and upperportion 105 may be a single piece that forms the lid 100. Othervariations in the components of the lid 100 are possible in otherembodiments of the invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, an upper central surface 115 (or topcenter portion 115) of the upper portion 110 is a flat surface 116 or asubstantially flat surface 116. In another embodiment of the invention,the upper central surface 115 may have another configuration, shape,and/or characteristic such as a non-planar surface 117 which is shown indashed (phantom) lines. Although the exemplary non-planar surface 117 isdepicted in FIG. 1 as a hemisphere configuration, those skilled in therelevant art(s) would realize based on the discussion herein that thenon-planar surface 117 may have other shapes and/or configuration and/ormay be disposed in another position on any position on a top surface 118of the upper portion 110 and/or may be a single element 117 and/or maybe multiple elements 117 or any amount or number of elements 117. Theupper central surface 115 is disposed within a top surface central areaof the lid 100 and is on the top surface of the lid body 130.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the lid 100 includesa plurality of rings (which are generally referred herein as rings 120).In FIG. 1, the exemplary lid 100 includes the rings 120 a and 120 b,although the number of rings 120 may vary in another embodiment of theinvention. As will be discussed below, a ring 120 is a hollow sectionbetween ridges of the lid 100, and each ring 120 can removably receiveand removably attach (and/or removably secure and/or removably couple)the lid 100 to a container as will be discussed below. Two componentsare removably attached (or removably coupled or removably secured) meansthat two different components can be attached together or detachedapart. Therefore, the rings 120 a and 120 b are formed by respectiveopenings (or respective hollow portions) in the solid body portion 130(or solid body 130) of the lid 100. If the rings 120 a and 120 b arecircular, then the two rings 120 a and 120 b will be concentric orsubstantially concentric. If the rings 120 a and 120 b are non-circular(e.g., square or rectangular), then adjacent portions of the rings 120 aand 120 b will be parallel or substantially parallel.

Otherwise stated, the plurality of rings 120 are formed within the lidbody 130 of the lid 100. One exemplary plurality of rings 120 includes afirst ring 120 a that is configured to removably receive a firstcontainer 600 (FIG. 6) having a first size D6 and a second ring 120 bthat is configured to removably receive a second container 700 (FIG. 7)having a second size D8. As will be discussed below, the lid 100 caninclude one or more additional rings among the plurality of rings 120 sothat the lid 100 also has a third ring that is configured to removablyreceive a third container (e.g., container 930 a in FIG. 9A) having athird size D10. The lid 100 can include one or more additional rings.

The opening 121 in the ring 120 a is between the upright wall 122 a(vertical wall 122 a) and the upright wall 122 b (vertical wall 122 b)which is opposite to the wall 122 a. The walls 122 a and 122 b are partof the lid body 130. The opening 121 is also below upper wall 122 cwhich is above the walls 122 a and 122 b and is typically substantiallyperpendicular to the walls 122 a and 122 b. The upper wall 122 c is alsopart of the lid body 130.

The opening 123 in the ring 120 b is between the upright wall 124 a(vertical wall 124 a) and the upright wall 124 b (vertical wall 124 b)which is opposite to the wall 124 a. The walls 124 a and 124 b are partof the lid body 130. The opening 123 is also below upper wall 124 cwhich is above the walls 124 a and 124 b and is typically substantiallyperpendicular to the walls 124 a and 124 b. The upper wall 124 c is alsopart of the lid body 130.

In the exemplary lid 100, the ring 120 a is disposed between the ridges125 a and 125 b and disposed within the lid body 130, with the ridge 125a forming an outer edge portion 135 (or edge portion 135) that spans thecircumference (or that spans the outer edge) of the base 105. The ridges125 a, 125 b, and 125 c are also part of the lid body 130. The ring 120b is disposed between the ridges 125 b and 125 c, with the ridge 125 cdisposed adjacent to (and/or is a part of) the center portion 115 of thelid 100.

In an embodiment of the invention, the lid 100 may be formed by anysuitable rigid material or semi-rigid material such as, by way ofexample and not by way of limitation, plastic, rubber, and/or anothersuitable synthetic material. In another embodiment of the invention aswill be discussed below in additional details, the lid 100 may befoldable and, therefore, the lid is at least partly formed by a suitablyflexible material, substantially flexible material, or foldable materialsuch as, by way of example and not by way of limitation, silicone (i.e.,silicone rubber).

The lid 100 may be manufactured by standard manufacturing methods knownto those skilled in the relevant art(s) such as, by way of example andnot by way of limitation, molding, stamping, extrusion processing,casting, polymer foam processing and forming, and/or other standardshaping processes of synthetic materials.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a top view of a versatile container lid100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The lid 100 hasa diameter D1 (or dimension D1) between the edge portion 135 and iscircular in shape or substantially circular in shape. The diameter D1may be set at any suitable length, so that the lid 100 may havedifferent sizes for covering any variety of sizes of bowls. As will bediscussed below, in other embodiments of the invention, the lid 100 mayhave other shapes.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a bottom view of a versatile container lid100 of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Thevertical walls 122 a, 122 b, 124 a, and 124 b are circular-shaped wallsthat are part of the lid body 130. The vertical wall 122 a has adiameter of D2 and the vertical wall 122 b has a diameter of D3, whereD1>D2>D3. The vertical wall 124 a has a diameter of D4 and the verticalwall 124 b has a diameter of D5, where D1>D2>D3>D4>D5 and where thediameters D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 may be set to any suitable lengths sothat the lid 100 can cover any container of different sizes. Thediameters D1 through D5 will be discussed further below when the lid 100is used to cover different sized containers.

As shown in FIG. 3, the rings 120 a and 120 b are substantially circularand are substantially concentric.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a top view of a versatile container lid100, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The lid 100has a length of L1 and width of W1, where L1 and W1 may be set at anysuitable set to any suitable length, so that the lid 100 may havedifferent sizes for covering any variety of sizes of containers. IfL1=W1, then the lid 100 will have a substantially square shape. If L1does not equal W1 (e.g., L1>W1), the lid 100 will have a substantiallynon-square shape or substantially rectangular shape.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a bottom view of a versatile container lid100 of FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Thevertical walls 122 a, 122 b, 124 a, and 125 b are square-shaped wallsthat are part of the lid body 130. The vertical wall 122 a has a width(dimension) of W2 and length (dimension) of L2, and the vertical wall122 b has a width (dimension) of W3 and length (dimension) of L3, whereW1>W2>W3 and L1>L2>L3. The vertical wall 124 a has a width (dimension)of W4 and length (dimension) of L4, and the vertical wall 124 b has awidth (dimension) of W5 and length (dimension) of L5, whereL1>L2>L3>L4>L5 and W1>W2>W3>W4>W5, and where the lengths L1, L2, L3, L4,and L5 and the widths W1, W2, W3, W4, and W5 may be set to any suitablelengths so that the lid 100 can cover different sized containers.

The exemplary lid 100 is square in shape if W1=L1, W2=L2, W3=L3, W4=L4,and W5=L5. The exemplary lid 100 is non-square in shape or isrectangular in shape if at least W1 does not equal L1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the vertical portions 502 a of the ring 120 a andthe vertical portions 504 a of the ring 120 b are all substantiallyparallel. The horizontal portions 502 b of the ring 120 a and thehorizontal portions 504 b of the ring 120 b are all substantiallyparallel.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 will illustrate the versatile feature of the lid 100.In particular, FIGS. 6 and 7 will illustrate the adaptability orversatility of the lid 100 to function as a cover for different sizedcontainers (e.g., containers with different diameters or differentdimensions such as different width dimensions). The containers 600 and700 in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively are, by way of example and not by wayof limitation, food containers or other suitable types of containersused by the consumer in the kitchen or in the home.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilecontainer lid 100 removably coupled to a first container 600 of a firstsize D6, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Thecontainer 600 includes a side wall 602 that forms (surrounds) an openingof size D6 (which could be a diameter D6 if the container 600 iscircular in shape or a width D6 if the container 600 is non-circularsuch as a square-shaped container or rectangular-shaped container). Arim 605 is formed at the end or top of the side wall 602. The rim 605 isremovably inserted into the opening 121 of the ring 120 a such that therim side 606 will push against the side wall 122 a and the side wall 122a will push against the rim side 606. Since the rim side 606 and theside wall 122 a will push against each other, the lid 100 (and lid body130) are removably secured on the container 600 and provide asubstantially sealed cover on the container 600. The size D7 of thecontainer 600 between the rim side 606 will be approximately equal tothe size (dimension) D2 (for a circular lid 100) or to the size(dimension) W2 (for a non-circular lid 100) so that the side wall 122 aand the rim side 606 will provide sufficient force against each other.The size D7 is also greater than the size (dimension) D3 (for a circularlid 100) or the size (dimension) W3 (for a non-circular lid 100) so thatthe rim 605 is removably insertable into the opening 121. The lid 100 isremovably attached to the container 600 by pressing the lid 100 in adownward direction 610 toward the container 600 so that the rim 605 isreceived by the opening 121 and the rim 605 is removably contacting atleast the side wall 122 a of the ring 120 a. Typically, the top wall 122c is also in contact with the rim 605.

The lid 100 is detached from the container 600 by pulling the lid 100 inthe upward direction 615 away from the container 600, so that the rim605 is removed from the opening 121 of the ring 120 a. As a result, thelid 100 is separated from the container 600.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilecontainer lid 100 removably coupled to a second container 700 of asecond size D8, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.The container 700 includes a side wall 702 that forms (surrounds) anopening of size D8 (which could be a diameter D8 if the container 700 iscircular in shape or a width D8 if the container 700 is non-circularsuch as a square-shaped container or rectangular-shaped container). Arim 705 is formed at the end or top of the side wall 702. The rim 705 isremovably inserted into the opening 123 of the ring 120 b such that therim side 706 will push against the side wall 124 a and the side wall 124a will push against the rim side 706. Since the rim side 706 and theside wall 124 a will push against each other, the lid 100 (and body 130)are removably secured on the container 700 and provide a substantiallysealed cover on the container 700. The size D9 of the container 700between the rim side 706 will be approximately equal to the size(dimension) D4 (for a circular lid 100) or to the size (dimension) W4(for a non-circular lid 100) so that the side wall 124 a and the rimside 706 will provide sufficient force against each other. The size D9is also greater than the size D5 (for a circular lid 100) or the size W5(for a non-circular lid 100) so that the rim 705 is removably insertableinto the opening 123. The lid 100 is removably attached to the container700 by pressing the lid 100 in a downward direction 710 toward thecontainer 700 so that the rim 705 is received by the opening 123 and therim 705 is removably contacting at least the side wall 124 a of the ring120 b. Typically, the top wall 124 c is also in contact with the rim705.

The lid 100 is detached from the container 700 by pulling the lid 100 inthe upward direction 715 away from the container 700, so that the rim705 is removed from the opening 123 of the ring 120 b. As a result, thelid 100 is separated from the container 700.

In another embodiment of the invention, the lid 100 is foldable in thedownward direction 720. As a result, when the lid 100 is removablycoupled to the container 700, folding the lid 100 against the wall 702will save space and will allow the lid 100 to be stored in a relativelysmaller area. Therefore, the lid 100 advantageously provides saves roomor space in the kitchen, kitchen cabinets, refrigerators, and/orcupboards. The foldable feature of the lid 100 will be discussed belowwith reference to FIG. 8 in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention.

Referring to both FIGS. 6 and 7, the first container 600 is larger thanthe second container 700 because D7>D9 and D6>D8. Therefore, the variousrings 120 (e.g., rings 120 a and 120 b) are configured to removablyreceive different sized rims of associated different sized containersand to allow the lid 100 to be used as a cover for different sizedcontainers. The exemplary lid 100 can be used to cover a relativelylarger container 600 as shown in FIG. 6 and can also be used to cover arelatively smaller container 700 as shown in FIG. 6.

As will be discussed below, in other embodiments of the invention, thelid 100 can include additional rings 120 so that the lid 100 can also beused to cover other containers that may have sizes that differ from thecontainer 600 or container 700.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a foldableversatile container lid 800 (apparatus 800), in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention. The foldable lid 800 may include at leastsome of the features described above in the lid 100 such as, forexample, a plurality of rings that are formed within the lid body 130.The lid 800 is removably attached to the container 700 in a manner assimilarly described above with respect to FIG. 7. After the lid 800 isremovably attached to the container 700, the lid 800 is bent in adownward direction 805 so that the bottom surface 810 of the bendablelid portion 815 is adjacent to (and/or is in contact with) the externalsurface 820 of the container 700. The bendable lid portion 815 is a partof the lid body 130 of the lid 800 and is disposed between the centerportion 115 (that includes portion 825 which is adjacent to the ring 120b) of the lid 800 and the end portion 830 of the lid 800. The centerportion 115, portion 825, bendable portion 815, and end portion 830 arepart of the lid body 130. When the lid 800 is bent in the downwarddirection 805, the portion 815 will not be parallel to the portion 825and center portion 115. By bending the portion 815 in the downwarddirection 805, the lid 800 is more compact, occupies less space, and canadvantageously be stored in a relatively smaller area.

The lid 800 can be bent in the upward direction 835 so that the surface810 is no longer adjacent with (and/or is no longer in contact with) thesurface 830. As a result, the portion 815 will be substantially parallelto the portion 825 and center portion 115. The lid 800 can then beseparated from the container 700 that is currently removably attached tothe lid 800.

In an embodiment of the invention, the bendable portion 815 is formedfrom a substantially bendable material that maintains the shape that isconfigured for the bendable material. For example, the portion 815 maybe formed from silicone (or silicone rubber or polydimethlysiloxane) oranother suitable silicon polymer with rubber-like properties. As knownto those skilled in the relevant art(s), silicone rubber is a polymer ofsilicon-containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Silicone rubber hasexcellent insulating and temperature-resistant properties. Siliconerubber is made through a process known as vulcanization or curing ofnatural rubber. Silicon is injected into the long hydrocarbon chains ofnatural rubber through a dual-stage process under high heat andpressure, thus converting it into silicone rubber. Additionally, thecured rubber is processed with additional steps until the finalmarketable product is obtained. Silicone rubber maintains all of itsproperties even at high temperatures of approximately 300 degreesCelsius as well as at low temperatures around −55 degrees Celsius. Thesilicon-carbon bonds in silicone rubber are resistant to temperaturefluctuations. Additionally, silicone rubber exhibits better tearstrength, tensile strength, elongation and compression in comparison tonatural rubber at high temperatures. To provide added rigidity to theportion 815 and decreased elasticity to the portion 815, a suitableamount of sulfur is added to the liquid rubber during the manufacturingprocess. If rigidity is added to (and elasticity is decreased for) thesilicone used to form the portion 815, then the portion 815 can be bentin the downward direction 805 and the portion 815 will not automaticallyreturn back to its prior shape in the upward direction 835, and/or theportion 815 can be bent in the upward direction 835 and the portion 815will not automatically return back to a prior shape in the downwarddirection 805. Other standard steps known to those skilled in therelevant art(s) for setting the characteristics of silicone may be usedin the bendable portion 815. In an embodiment of the invention, otherportions of the lid 800 (such as, for example, the portion 825 and/orcenter portion 115) may be formed from the same material that forms theportion 815.

Those skilled in the art will realize, after reading the discussionherein, that other suitable materials or combination of suitablematerials can be used for the components in the lid 100 (or other lidsdiscussed herein such as the lid 800). Those skilled in the art willalso realize, after reading the discussion herein, that the assembly,manufacture, and/or construction of the components of the lid 100 (orother lids discussed herein such as the lid 800) may be selectivelyvaried based on cost, ease of manufacturing, or/and otherconsiderations. Additionally, the parts or components in the lid 100 (orother lids discussed herein such as the lid 800) can be suitably variedor substituted with other parts or components or shapes, asmanufacturing and parts technologies improve in the future.

FIGS. 9A through 9C are block diagrams that illustrate the additionalversatile features of a versatile container lid in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9A is a block diagram of aside view of a versatile container lid 900, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The lid 900 may include the variousfeatures of the lid 100 and/or the lid 800 as described with referenceto FIGS. 1 and 8, respectively. The lid 900 includes a plurality ofrings 920 a, 920 b, and 920 c, where all of the rings 920 a through 920c are formed in the lid body 902. As mentioned above, the number ofrings may vary in a lid according to various embodiments of theinvention. The rim 925 a of a container 930 a is removably inserted inan opening 935 a of the ring 920 a. Therefore, the container 930 a isremovably coupled to the lid 900. The container 930 a has a dimensionD10 (e.g., diameter or width) that can be of any suitable size.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lid900 in FIG. 9A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Therim 925 b of a container 930 b is removably inserted in an opening 935 bof the ring 920 b. Therefore, the container 930 b is removably coupledto the lid 900. The container 930 b has a dimension nil (e.g., diameteror width) that can be of any suitable size.

FIG. 9C is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lid900 in FIG. 9A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Therim 925 c of a container 930 c is removably inserted in an opening 935 cof the ring 920 c. Therefore, the container 930 c is removably coupledto the lid 900. The container 930 c has a dimension D12 (e.g., diameteror width) that can be of any suitable size. Since the sizes of thecontainers 930 a, 930 b, and 930 c are each different from each other(e.g., D10>D11>D12), the lid 900 has the advantageous versatile featureof being able to cover various containers of different sizes. In anotherembodiment of the invention, the lid 900 may have the bendable lidfeatures of the lid 800 in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 10A through 10E are block diagrams that illustrate the additionalversatile features of a versatile container lid in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10A is a block diagram of aside view of a versatile container lid 1000, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The lid 1000 may include the variousfeatures of the lid 100 and/or the lid 800 as described with referenceto FIGS. 1 and 8, respectively. The lid 1000 includes a plurality ofrings 1020 a, 1020 b, 1020 c, 1020 d, and 1020 e, where the rings 1020 athrough 1020 e are formed within the lid body 1002. As mentioned above,the number of rings may vary in a lid according to various embodimentsof the invention. The rim 1025 a of a container 1030 a is removablyinserted in an opening 1035 a of the ring 1020 a. Therefore, thecontainer 1030 a is removably coupled to the lid 1000. The container1030 a has a dimension D13 (e.g., diameter or width) that can be of anysuitable size.

FIG. 10B is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lid1000 in FIG. 10A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Therim 1025 b of a container 1030 b is removably inserted in an opening1035 b of the ring 1020 b. Therefore, the container 1030 b is removablycoupled to the lid 1000. The container 1030 b has a dimension D14 (e.g.,diameter or width) that can be of any suitable size.

FIG. 10C is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lid1000 in FIG. 10A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Therim 1025 c of a container 1030 c is removably inserted in an opening1035 c of the ring 1020 c. Therefore, the container 1030 c is removablycoupled to the lid 1000. The container 1030 c has a dimension D15 (e.g.,diameter or width) that can be of any suitable size.

FIG. 10D is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lid1000 in FIG. 10A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Therim 1025 d of a container 1030 d is removably inserted in an opening1035 d of the ring 1020 d. Therefore, the container 1030 d is removablycoupled to the lid 1000. The container 1030 d has a dimension D16 (e.g.,diameter or width) that can be of any suitable size.

FIG. 10E is a block diagram of a side view of a versatile container lid1000 in FIG. 10A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Therim 1025 e of a container 1030 e is removably inserted in an opening1035 e of the ring 1020 e. Therefore, the container 1030 e is removablycoupled to the lid 1000. The container 1030 e has a dimension D17 (e.g.,diameter or width) that can be of any suitable size. Since the sizes(dimensions) of the containers 1030 a, 1030 b, 1030 c, 1030 d, and 1030e are each different from each other (e.g., D13>D14>D15>D16>D17), thelid 1000 has the advantageous versatile feature of being able to covervarious containers of different sizes. In another embodiment of theinvention, the lid 1000 may have the bendable lid features of the lid800 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method 1100 for manufacturing a versatilecontainer lid in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Theblocks in method 1100 (and/or steps in the blocks in method 1100) mayvary in order or sequence than those shown in FIG. 11. For example, thesteps in blocks 1110 and 1115 may be switched in sequence or order.

In block 1105, a lid body (e.g., lid body 130) is formed from amaterial. Various suitable materials for a lid are discussed above. Inblock 1110, two or more rings (i.e., a plurality of rings) are formedwithin the lid body. The number of rings in the lid may vary. In block1115, a top surface of the lid body is formed, wherein the top surfacehas a given configuration. Exemplary configurations for the top surfaceare discussed above with reference to FIG. 1. Additional steps in themethod 1100 may be added as previously discussed above.

One or more of the features of the lids (e.g., lids 100 or 800)disclosed above in FIGS. 1 through 11 (and accompanying text for FIGS. 1through 11) may also be incorporated as features included in theembodiments of the lid 1200 discussed below in FIGS. 12 through 28. Forexample, any of the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 12 through 28 maycomprise a versatile container lid 1200 that is bendable upwards andbendable downwards as similarly discussed above for the lid shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 which disclose a bendable versatile container lid 100 orlid 800.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a front perspective view of a versatilerectangle container lid 1200 (apparatus 1200), in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The lid 1200 includes a body 1205 with atop surface 1210 and a bottom surface 1215. The top surface 1210 mayinclude a flat top surface portion (planar portion) 1217 that is formeddirectly on the top surface 1210. A rectangle container 1220 isremovably attached to the lid 1200. Two components are removablyattached (or removably coupled or removably secured) means that twodifferent components can be attached together or detached apart. Thedetails of the lid 1200 are discussed further below.

In an embodiment of the invention, the body 1205 comprises a lowerportion 1221 (or rectangle base portion 1221) and a top portion 1222 onthe lower portion 1221. The planar portion 1217 is on the top portion1222. The top portion 1222 has a first surface area that is less than asecond surface area of the lower portion 1221 so that there is a planarportion 1223 that is adjacent to all sides of the top portion 1222.

The top portion 1222 and lower portion 1221 form concentric rectanglerings or concentric non-circular rings.

In an embodiment of the invention, the lid 1200 is a rectangleconfiguration so that the lower portion 1221 is a rectangleconfiguration and the top portion 1222 is also a rectangleconfiguration. In an embodiment of the invention, the lower portion 1221has left side 1225 a and a right side 1225 b wherein the sides 1225 aand 1225 b are parallel to each other. The lower portion 1221 has frontside 1225 c and a back side 1225 d wherein the sides 1225 c and 1225 dare parallel to each other. The sides 1225 a and 1225 b aresubstantially orthogonal or substantially perpendicular to the sides1225 c and 1225 d.

In an embodiment of the invention, the upper portion 1222 has left side1226 a and a right side 1226 b wherein the sides 1226 a and 1226 b areparallel to each other. The upper portion 1222 has front side 1226 c anda back side 1226 d wherein the sides 1225 c and 1225 d are parallel toeach other. The sides 1226 a and 1226 b are substantially orthogonal orsubstantially perpendicular to the sides 1226 c and 1226 d.

Other variations in the components of the lid 1200 are possible in otherembodiments of the invention.

The sides 1225 c and 1225 d have a length of L1 (FIGS. 13 and 14) andare the longer sides of the lid 1200. The sides 1225 a and 1225 b have alength (width) of W1 (FIGS. 13 and 14) and are the shorter sides of thelid 1200. In FIGS. 12 through 28, the following parameters areapplicable for the length L1 and the width W1, so that the lid 1200 is arectangular configuration or is a rectangular lid because L1>W1 (i.e.,the length L1 is greater than length W1 (or width W1) in value, size, orlength). The width W1 is the shortest side length of the lid 1200 andthe length L1 is the longest side length of the lid 1200.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a front perspective view of a versatilerectangle container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a rectangle container 1220 is detached or separatedfrom the lid 1200.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a top view of a versatile containerrectangle lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.The planar portion 1223 (or planar surface 1223) of the lower portion1221 is adjacent to all sides 1226 a, 1226 b, 1226 c, and 1226 d of thetop portion 1222. The planar portion 1223 is lower in elevation than theplanar portion 1217 of the upper portion 1222.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a bottom view of a versatile container lid1200, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The bottomsurface 1508 of the top portion 1222 is shown on the lid 1200. A ledge1501 (or protrusion 1501) extends from (or protrudes from) the bottomsurface 1508 in a perpendicular direction. The ledge 1501 comprises aright side 1502 a and a left side 1502 b wherein the sides 1502 a and1502 b are parallel to each other. The ledge 1501 also comprises a frontside 1502 c and back side 1502 d wherein the sides 1502 c and 1502 d areparallel to each other. The sides 1502 a and 1502 b are substantiallyorthogonal or substantially perpendicular to the sides 1502 c and 1502d. The ledge 1501 is higher in height from the surface 1508 than theheight of the surface 1508 itself.

The bottom surface 1503 of the planar portion 1223 is also shown in FIG.15. The bottom surface 1503 is substantially planar and is adjacent tothe sides 1502 a, 1502 b, 1502 c, and 1502 d of the ledge 1501. A secondledge 1505 is along the sides 1225 a, 1225 b, 1225 c, and 1225 d of thelid 1200. The ledge 1505 extends from (or protrudes from) the surface1503 in a perpendicular direction. The height of the ledge 1505 issubstantially the same height as the height of the ledge 1501, in oneembodiment of the invention. The ledge 1501 and ledge 1505 are higher inheight from the surface 1503 than the height of the surface 1503 itself.Therefore, the surface 1503 is between the ledges 1501 and 1505 and thesurface 1503 is a valley in between the ledges 1501 and 1505. The bottomsurface 1508 is also a valley surrounded by the edges 1502 a, 1502 b,1502 c, and 1502 d of the ledge 1501.

The sides 1225 a, 1225 b, 1502 a, and 1502 b are parallel to each other.The sides 1225 c, 1225 d, 1502 d, and 1502 c are parallel to each other.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a side elevational view of a versatilerectangle container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container 1200 of a given size is attached to thelid 1200 and wherein the longer side (e.g., side 1225 c) of the lid 1200is shown in FIG. 16. A longer side 1605 of the container 1200 and theside 1226 c of the lid 1200 are also shown in FIG. 16. The sides 1225 cand 1226 c are substantially parallel to each other.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a side elevational view of a versatilerectangle container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container 1200 of a given size is attached to thelid 1200 and wherein the shorter side (e.g., side 1225 b) of the lid1200 is shown in FIG. 17. A shorter side 1705 of the container 1200 andthe side 1226 b of the lid 1200 are also shown in FIG. 17. The sides1225 b and 1226 b are substantially parallel to each other. A shorterside 1705 of the container 1200 and the side 1226 b of the lid 1200 arealso shown in FIG. 17. The sides 1225 b and 1226 b are substantiallyparallel to each other. The longer side 165 is large in size (or longerin length) than the shorter side 1705.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a side elevational view of a versatilerectangle container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container 1220 of a given size is de-attached orseparated from the lid 1200 and wherein the longer side (e.g., side 1225c) of the lid 1200 is shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a side elevational view of a versatilerectangle container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container 1220 of a given size is detached orseparated from the lid 1200 and wherein the shorter side (e.g., side1225 b) of the lid 1200 is shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a top plan view of a versatile rectanglecontainer lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.The reference arrows A-A are shown in FIG. 20 as the boundary of thecross-sectional views of FIGS. 21-28 below.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container 1220 a of a first size is attached to thelid 1200 and wherein the longer side (e.g., front side 1225 c) of thelid 1200 is shown in part in FIG. 21. The container 1220 a has a maximumlength L2.

In FIGS. 21 through 28, the following parameters apply to the lengths L2and L3 and widths W2 and W3. The container 1220 a has a longer side oflength L2, is a rectangular container or has rectangular configuration,is attached to the bottom surface 1508 of the lid 1200. The inner wall2105 a of the ledge 1501 and bottom surface 1508 of the upper portion1222 of the lid 1200 are in contact with and removably secured againstthe container 1220 a.

In FIGS. 21 through 28, the container lengths L2 and L3 are configuredso that L2<L3 and the container widths W2 and W3 are configured so thatW2<W3. Also, the following parameters are also noted so that thecontainers 1220 a and 1220 b are rectangular containers or arerectangular in configuration (i.e., in FIGS. 21 through 28, thefollowing parameters are applicable L2>W2 and L3>W3).

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container 1220 a of a first size is de-attached orseparated from the lid 1200 and wherein the longer side (e.g., frontside 1225 c) of the lid 1200 is shown in part in FIG. 22.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container 1220 a of a first size is attached to thelid 1200 and wherein the shorter side (e.g., right side 1225 b) of thelid 1200 is shown in part in FIG. 23. The container 1220 a has a shorterside of size W2 (width W2 or length W2), is a rectangular container orhas rectangular configuration, is attached to the bottom surface 1508 ofthe lid 1200. The inner wall 2105 a of the ledge 1501 and bottom surface1508 of the upper portion 1222 of the lid 1200 are in contact with andremovably secured against the container 1220 a. The width W2 is theshortest side length of the container 1220 a and the length L2 is thelongest side length of the container 1220 a.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilesquare container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container 1220 a of a first size is de-attached orseparated from the lid 1200 and wherein the shorter side (e.g., rightside 1225 b) of the lid 1200 is shown in part in FIG. 24. The container1220 a has a width W2.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container 1220 b of a second size is attached tothe lid 1200 and wherein the longer side (e.g., front side 1226 c) ofthe lid 1200 is shown in part in FIG. 25. The container 1220 b has amaximum length L3.

The container 1220 b has a longer side of length L3, is a rectangularcontainer or has rectangular configuration, is attached to the bottomsurface 1508 of the lid 1200. The inner wall 2105 a of the ledge 1501and bottom surface 1508 of the upper portion 1222 of the lid 1200 are incontact with and removably secured against the container 1220 b.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container 1220 b of a second size is de-attached orseparated from the lid 1200 and wherein the longer side (e.g., frontside 1226 c) of the lid 1200 is shown in part in FIG. 26.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilerectangle container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container 1220 b of a second size is attached tothe lid 1200 and wherein the shorter side (e.g., right side 1225 b) ofthe lid 1200 is shown in part in FIG. 27. The container 1220 b has ashorter side of size W3 (width W3 or length W3), is a rectangularcontainer or has rectangular configuration, is attached to the bottomsurface 1508 of the lid 1200. The inner wall 2105 a of the ledge 1501and bottom surface 1508 of the upper portion 1222 of the lid 1200 are incontact with and removably secured against the container 1220 b. Thewidth W3 is the shortest side length of the container 1220 b and thelength L3 is the longest side length of the container 1220 b.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a versatilesquare container lid 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, wherein a container 1220 b of a second size is de-attached orseparated from the lid 1200 and wherein the shorter side (e.g., rightside 1225 b) of the lid 1200 is shown in part in FIG. 28.

Other variations in the components of the lid 1200 are possible.

In an embodiment of the invention, the lid 1200 (or lid 100 or otherembodiments of the lid disclosed herein) may be formed by any suitablerigid material or semi-rigid material such as, by way of example and notby way of limitation, plastic, rubber, and/or another suitable syntheticmaterial. In another embodiment of the invention as will be discussedbelow in additional details, the lid 1200 (or lid 100 or otherembodiments of the lid disclosed herein) may be foldable and, therefore,the lid is at least partly formed by a suitably flexible material,substantially flexible material, or foldable material such as, by way ofexample and not by way of limitation, silicone (i.e., silicone rubber).

The lid 1200 (or lid 100), or other embodiments of the lid disclosedherein may be manufactured by standard manufacturing methods known tothose skilled in the relevant art(s) such as, by way of example and notby way of limitation, molding, stamping, extrusion processing, casting,polymer foam processing and forming, and/or other standard shapingprocesses of synthetic materials.

In an embodiment of the invention, a bendable portion of the lid 1200(or lid 100 or other embodiments of the lid disclosed herein) is formedfrom a substantially bendable material that maintains the shape that isconfigured for the bendable material. For example, the bendable portionmay be formed from silicone (or silicone rubber or polydimethlysiloxane)or another suitable silicon polymer with rubber-like properties. Asknown to those skilled in the relevant art(s), silicone rubber is apolymer of silicon-containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Siliconerubber has excellent insulating and temperature-resistant properties.Silicone rubber is made through a process known as vulcanization orcuring of natural rubber. Silicon is injected into the long hydrocarbonchains of natural rubber through a dual-stage process under high heatand pressure, thus converting it into silicone rubber. Additionally, thecured rubber is processed with additional steps until the finalmarketable product is obtained. Silicone rubber maintains all of itsproperties even at high temperatures of approximately 300 degreesCelsius as well as at low temperatures around −55 degrees Celsius. Thesilicon-carbon bonds in silicone rubber are resistant to temperaturefluctuations. Additionally, silicone rubber exhibits better tearstrength, tensile strength, elongation and compression in comparison tonatural rubber at high temperatures. To provide added rigidity to thebendable portion and decreased elasticity to the bendable portion, asuitable amount of sulfur is added to the liquid rubber during themanufacturing process. If rigidity is added to (and elasticity isdecreased for) the silicone used to form the bendable portion, then thebendable portion can be bent in the downward direction and the bendableportion will not automatically return back to its prior shape in theupward direction, and/or the portion 815 can be bent in the upwarddirection and the bendable portion will not automatically return back toa prior shape in the downward direction. Other standard steps known tothose skilled in the relevant art(s) for setting the characteristics ofsilicone may be used in the bendable portion. In an embodiment of theinvention, other portions of the lid 1200 may be formed from the samematerial that forms the bendable portion.

In an embodiment of the invention, the surface 1503 and surface 1223 ofthe lid 1200 are bendable portions as described above.

Those skilled in the art will realize, after reading the discussionherein, that other suitable materials or combination of suitablematerials can be used for the components in the lid 1200. Those skilledin the art will also realize, after reading the discussion herein, thatthe assembly, manufacture, and/or construction of the components of thelid 1200 may be selectively varied based on cost, ease of manufacturing,or/and other considerations. Additionally, the parts or components inthe lid 1200 can be suitably varied or substituted with other parts orcomponents or shapes, as manufacturing and parts technologies improve inthe future.

In one embodiment of the invention, a versatile rectangle lid comprises:a lid body comprising a rectangle configuration; and a plurality ofrectangle rings formed in the lid body; wherein the plurality ofrectangle rings includes a first rectangle ring that is configured toreceive a first rectangle container having a first size and a secondrectangle ring that is configured to receive a second rectanglecontainer having a second size.

In another embodiment of the invention, a versatile rectangle lidcomprises: a rectangle base (lower) portion; a rectangle upper portioncoupled to the base portion; a planar element on a top surface of theupper rectangle portion; a rectangle lid body comprising a centerportion, a bendable lid portion, and an edge portion; wherein the lidbody includes and is between the base portion and the upper portion;wherein the plurality of rectangle rings comprises a plurality of hollowrectangle portions formed in the lid body and wherein each hollowportion is formed from the base portion to the upper portion and whereineach hollow portion forms a respective opening between two verticalwalls; wherein the bendable lid portion is between the center portionand the edge portion; and wherein the bendable lid portion is configuredto bend in an upward direction and bend in a downward direction.

In an embodiment of the invention, the bendable lid portion comprisessilicone.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing aversatile rectangle lid, the method comprises: forming a rectangle baseportion, as rectangle upper portion coupled to the base portion, anon-planar element on a top surface of the upper portion, and a lid bodyincluding and between the base portion and the upper portion from amaterial; forming a plurality of rectangle rings within the lid body,wherein the plurality of rectangle rings comprises a plurality of hollowportions formed in the lid body and wherein each hollow portion isformed from the base portion to the upper portion and wherein eachhollow portion forms a respective opening between two vertical walls;and forming the top surface of the upper portion of the lid body,wherein the top surface has a given configuration.

In embodiment of the invention, the plurality of rectangle ringsincludes a first rectangle ring that is configured to receive a firstrectangle container having a first size and a second rectangle ring thatis configured to receive a second rectangle container having a secondsize.

In an embodiment of the invention, the lid body (or lid) comprises abendable lid portion and wherein the bendable lid portion is configuredto bend in an upward direction and bend in a downward direction.

Other variations and modifications of the above-described embodimentsand methods are possible in light of the teaching discussed herein.

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the invention,including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention aredescribed herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalentmodifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as thoseskilled in the relevant art will recognize.

These modifications can be made to the invention in light of the abovedetailed description. The terms used in the following claims should notbe construed to limit the invention to the specific embodimentsdisclosed in the specification and the claims. Rather, the scope of theinvention is to be determined entirely by the following claims, whichare to be construed in accordance with established doctrines of claiminterpretation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A versatile rectangle lid comprising: a siliconelid body comprising a rectangle configuration; a plurality of rectanglerings formed in the lid body, wherein the rectangle rings comprisesilicone; wherein the plurality of rectangle rings includes a firstrectangle ring that is configured to receive a first rectangle containerhaving a first size and a second rectangle ring that is configured toreceive a second rectangle container having a second size; wherein thesilicone lid body comprises a lower portion, a top portion on the lowerportion, and wherein the lower portion comprises a planar portion thatis adjacent to all sides of the top portion; wherein the top portion andthe lower portion form the rectangle rings; wherein the top portioncomprises a first bottom surface; a first ledge protruding from thefirst bottom surface in a perpendicular direction and defining thesecond rectangle ring; wherein the planar surface comprises a secondbottom surface; and a second ledge protruding from the second bottomsurface in the perpendicular direction and defining the first rectanglering; wherein the second ledge forms an outer edge portion of thesilicone lid body; wherein the second bottom surface is between thefirst ledge and the second ledge; wherein the first bottom surface is afirst valley surrounded by the first ledge; and wherein the secondbottom surface is a second valley between the first ledge and the secondledge.
 2. The versatile rectangle lid of claim 1, wherein the firstrectangle ring has a first dimension and the second rectangle ring has asecond dimension and wherein the first dimension is larger than thesecond dimension.
 3. The versatile rectangle lid of claim 1, wherein theplurality of rectangle rings comprises openings in the lid body.
 4. Theversatile rectangle lid of claim 1, wherein the lid body comprises aflexible material.
 5. The versatile rectangle lid of claim 1, whereinthe lid body provides a substantially sealed cover on any of the firstrectangle container and the second rectangle container.
 6. A versatilerectangle lid comprising: a rectangle base portion; a rectangle upperportion coupled to the base portion; a planar element on a top surfaceof the rectangle upper portion; a rectangle lid body comprising a centerportion, a bendable lid portion, and an edge portion; wherein the lidbody includes and is between the base portion and the upper portion;wherein a plurality of rectangle rings comprises a plurality of hollowrectangle portions formed in the lid body and wherein each hollowrectangle portion is formed from the base portion to the upper portionand wherein each hollow rectangle portion forms a respective openingbetween two vertical walls; wherein the bendable lid portion is betweenthe center portion and the edge portion; wherein the bendable lidportion is configured to bend in an upward direction and bend in adownward direction; wherein the planar element is adjacent to all sidesof the upper portion; wherein the upper portion and the base portionform the rectangle rings; wherein the upper portion comprises a firstbottom surface; a first ledge protruding from the first bottom surfacein a perpendicular direction and defining one of the two vertical walls;wherein the planar element comprises a second bottom surface; and asecond ledge protruding from the second bottom surface in theperpendicular direction and defining another one of the two verticalwalls; wherein the second ledge forms an outer edge portion of therectangle lid; wherein the second bottom surface is between the firstledge and the second ledge; wherein the first bottom surface is a firstvalley surrounded by the first ledge; and wherein the second bottomsurface is a second valley between the first ledge and the second ledge.7. The versatile rectangle lid of claim 6, wherein the bendable lidportion comprises silicone.
 8. The versatile rectangle lid of claim 6,wherein the lid body comprises silicone and wherein the plurality ofrectangle rings includes a first rectangle ring that is configured toreceive a first rectangle container having a first size and a secondrectangle ring that is configured to receive a second rectanglecontainer having a second size.
 9. The versatile rectangle lid of claim8, wherein the first rectangle ring has a first dimension and the secondrectangle ring has a second dimension and wherein the first dimension islarger than the second dimension.
 10. The versatile rectangle lid ofclaim 8, wherein the plurality of rectangle rings comprises openings inthe lid body and below the upper portion.